Purpose: The high mortality rates among fingerlings have been one of the major obstacles to the artificial reproduction of sturgeon species and the sustainability of sturgeon aquaculture. Microalgae supplementation has been shown in numerous studies to have a positive effect on improving overall health and survival rates in a variety of fish fry species. Method: During a 12-week feeding trial, 600 Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus) fry weighing 200.7± 11.2 mg (mean±SE) were used in this study to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of Spirulina platensis at different concentrations (2.5%, 5%, and 7.5%, compared to a 0% control) on the growth, survival, and hemo-biochemical parameters. Water's physicochemical characteristics were also regularly noted. Results: The 7.5% S. platensis-fed group showed significantly higher values of WBC, MCH, and MCHC. Fish fed 7.5% S. platensis also showed a significant increase in Hb levels. RBC, Ht, and MCV values, however, did not differ significantly between the trial and control groups. Regarding blood biochemical parameters, significant decreases were observed in cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, LDH, ALP, ALT, and AST. Furthermore, S. platensis at 7.5%, led to higher serum glucose and HDL levels compared to other groups. While no statistically significant differences were noted in final weight, total length, condition factor, and growth performance between experimental and control treatments, there was a notable improvement in fry survival and the artificial reproduction efficiency of A. persicus showed enhancement. Conclusions: Potential immunomodulatory effects of S. Platensis are indicated by the increased survival rates and dose-dependent improvements in hematological indices of A. persicus. Moreover, significant changes in plasma biochemical parameters indicate that dietary supplementation with S. Platensis has a variety of physiological advantages. To explore the feasibility of its commercial implementation in sturgeon culture, subsequent studies ought to focus on the mechanisms underlying their impacts.
